stuffed cabbage meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best stuffed cabbage meat recipe

I’ve been making stuffed cabbage rolls for years, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress my family. The first time I tried this recipe, I was hooked – the combination of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful meat filling, and rich tomato sauce is just perfect.

It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. My kids love helping me roll the cabbage leaves and fill them with the savory mixture, and my husband always requests it when we have guests over.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

The key to this recipe is using fresh cabbage leaves and a good balance of flavors in the meat filling – don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favorite combination. I’ve also found that using a mixture of beef and pork gives the filling a nice depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Whether you’re serving this at a potluck or just want a delicious meal for your family, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to please.

Stuffed Cabbage Meat Rolls

4.9 from 1181 votes

Stuffed Cabbage Meat Rolls are a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat mixture. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage

1 large head green cabbage

For the Meat Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2Add the cabbage and boil for 5-7 minutes, until the leaves begin to soften.
3Drain and set aside to cool.
4Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves, cutting out the thick center vein of each leaf, and set aside.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf.
8Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the top, forming a neat roll.
9Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
10In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
11Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
12Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, then add the water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
13Cover the dish tightly with foil.
14Preheat the oven to 350°F.
15Bake the stuffed cabbage rolls for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
16Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a combination of ground turkey and ground beef for a leaner option. Use brown rice for a healthier alternative.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Cabbage Meat Rolls Works

One of the best things about stuffed cabbage rolls is how well they reheat – whether you’re serving them at room temperature as part of a buffet or reheating them gently on the stovetop before serving, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

And don’t forget about storage – these babies freeze beautifully and can be reheated straight from the freezer for a quick and easy meal anytime.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Cabbage Meat Rolls

Q: What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?

A: For stuffed cabbage rolls, you’ll want to use large leaves of fresh cabbage – green or white works well. Avoid using small or wilted leaves as they can be tough to roll and may not hold up well in cooking.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe – just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different. You can also add some cooked rice or breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together.

Q: How do I store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls?

A: Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them gently in a saucepan with some additional tomato sauce until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using canned tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can substitute fresh or cooked tomatoes for the canned variety – just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different. You can also add some dried oregano or basil to give it an Italian twist.

Q: How do I reheat stuffed cabbage rolls without drying out the filling?

A: To reheat stuffed cabbage rolls without drying out the filling, cook them gently in a saucepan with some additional tomato sauce until warmed through – avoid microwaving as it can cause the filling to dry out.

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